The Role of Standards in the Development of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sector
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), in keeping with its mandate to develop national standards, has formulated a number of standards to aid production and development of the Agricultural Sector in Guyana. Farmers who produce fresh fruits and vegetables and other crops can improve the quality of these products which will allow for increased local consumption as well as exportation to Regional and International Markets.

Some of the Standards that are available at the GNBS include: Specification for grades of bananas, pineapples, watermelons, cassava, eddoes, plantains, hot peppers, etc. These standards have been harmonized with international standards, mainly Codex standards, to facilitate acceptance of Guyana’s products in international markets. The GNBS has formulated three more standards which will further enhance the operations in this sector. These are:

1.    Code of Practice for packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.

This Code of practice specifies hygienic practices for the production and packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables. It addresses microbial, physical and chemical hazards, as these relate to good agricultural and manufacturing practices.

2.    Guidelines for the production, processing, labelling and marketing of organically produced foods.

These guidelines set out the principles of organic production at farm, during preparation, storage, transport, labelling and marketing stages; and provide an indication of accepted, permissible inputs for soil fertilizing and conditioning; plant pest and disease control; food additives and processing aids.

3.    Guidelines for Good management practices for micro and small enterprises.

The guidelines in this standard set out the principles for implementing a Quality Management System, Environmental Management System and an Occupational health and safety Management System in all small enterprises including, the fresh fruits and vegetable sector.

When farmers utilize available standards there will be a further increase in the demand for local fruits and vegetables on the regional and international market, which will require expansion in their level of production, hence a significant increase in revenue.

Further, it is compulsory that Guyana, as an exporting country of fresh fruits and vegetables, complies with the international quality and safety standards promulgated by international standards institutions under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), complying with Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary measures (SPS).

For further information: visit the Guyana National Bureau of Standards at Exhibition Site, Sophia or call on Telephone Numbers:  219-0062, 219-0065, 219-0066